NEW DELHI: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on September 9 staged a protest outside the School of Social Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), demanding the dismissal of JNU professor and Congress Lok Sabha MP from Manipur, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, over sexual harassment allegations reportedly raised by 11 women students. ABVP also questioned the functioning of the JNU Internal Committee (IC), alleging that the complaints have remained unresolved for nearly four months.
ABVP stated that the 11 women students had approached the JNU Internal Committee with complaints concerning sexual harassment around four months ago. The organisation alleged that despite the seriousness of the matter, the proceedings have not been concluded within the prescribed timeline. ABVP accused the JNU administration and the Internal Committee of failing to ensure a timely and transparent process and demanded that the matter be dealt with strictly in accordance with the applicable rules.
ABVP further questioned the silence of Left student organisations, the Congress party and NSUI, stating that organisations that regularly raise issues of women’s safety and student rights should also speak up when allegations involve individuals within their political sphere. ABVP alleged that the Internal Committee must function independently and without political influence, and called for transparency and accountability in the handling of the complaints.
ABVP JNU Student Affairs In-charge Manisha Dabla said, “The foremost concern today is justice for the 11 women students who have approached the institutional mechanism with serious complaints. No student should feel that their voice will be ignored because the person accused holds political influence. ABVP stands with the complainants and demands a fair, independent and time-bound inquiry. The administration must ensure that institutional mechanisms for addressing harassment remain free from political considerations.”
ABVP JNU President Mayank Panchal said, “JNU cannot have one standard for those outside the political establishment and another for those within it. The four-month delay raises serious questions about the functioning of the Internal Committee and the administration. We demand accountability, a transparent inquiry and appropriate action based on its findings. Until justice is ensured, ABVP will continue to raise the concerns of the complainants.”
